UPDATE 2-Olympics-Athletics-Makhloufi reinstated in 1,500 metres

* Exclusion reversed on medical grounds
(writes through with reinstatement)

By Nick Mulvenney

LONDON (Reuters) - Algerian medal contender Taoufik
Makhloufi was reinstated in the final of the 1,500 metres on
Monday, hours after being thrown out of the London Olympics for
not trying in his 800m heat.

Makhloufi lined up at the start of heat five at the Olympic
Stadium on Monday morning but stopped at the end of the back
straight and wandered across the infield past the pole vault
area.

The International Association of Athletics Federations
(IAAF) referee subsequently banned him from the rest of the
athletics programme for not providing "a bona fide effort".

The Algeria team, upset that the IAAF had not spoken to
Makhloufi, said the athlete had a knee injury and the decision
was later reversed on medical grounds.

"After reviewing evidence provided by the LOCOG medical
officer, the disqualification of (Taoufik Makhloufi) from
further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012
Olympic Games has been revoked," the IAAF said in a statement.

The 24-year-old had been obliged to run in the two-lap race
after his team neglected to withdraw him by Sunday's deadline,
an IAAF spokeswoman said.
Continued...